Model Tested: 2015 Lincoln Navigator 4×4 Engine: 3.5-liter 6-cylinder gas, 380 horsepower, 460 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 15/City—20/Highway—17/Combined Base Price: $65,955 As Tested: $73,395 Performance: Excellent twin turbo V-6 engine Outstanding torque: 460 lb-ft Smooth performance Very comfortable … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Acura ILX Tech Plus A-Spec Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas, 201 horsepower, 180 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 25/City—36/Highway—29/Combined Base Price: $34,890 As Tested: $35,810 Performance: Strong, lively engine Excellent fuel economy We got 40.0 and 37.8 … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas, 184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—30/Highway—26/Combined Base Price: $29,470 As Tested: $33,840 Performance: An excellent mix of pep and frugality We came very close … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4-door Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas turbocharged, 189 horsepower, 207 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—34/Highway—27/Combined Base Price: $25,100 As Tested: $34,500 Performance: Small car with big driving fun Nimble and quick Shines … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country Engine: 2.5-liter 5-cylinder gas turbocharged, 250 horsepower, 256 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—28/Highway—23/Combined Base Price: $41,000 As Tested: $49,350 Performance: Confidence inspiring safety features Blind spot monitoring Lane departure … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 264 horsepower, 269 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—24/Highway—21/Combined Base Price: $33,000 As Tested: $38,350 Performance: Powerful turbocharged engine Locking center differential Confident off road … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas plus electric motor, 196 horsepower total, 122 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT electronic automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 50/City—45/Highway—47/Combined Base Price: $35,055 As Tested: $35,845 Performance: Outstanding fuel economy We fell a little … read more